Aquaman villain revealed, reportedly, but no actor confirmed

With Suicide Squad in cinemas, Wonder Woman on the way and Justice League deep in production, details are starting to trickle out about the next movie on DC’s slate to go in front of cameras: James Wan’s Aquaman.

Now, The Wrap claims to have uncovered the identity of the movie’s big bad: Black Manta.

The character has had a few different origin stories but he’s a classic antagonist for Aquaman, with his most recent motivation being revenge for the death of his father. Unlike Aquaman, Black Manta’s current incarnation doesn’t actually have any superpowers, but he does have a badass suit of armour.

“A ruthless treasure hunter and mercenary, the man known as Black Manta spent his days scavenging the unexplored depths of the ocean, discovering long lost relics and powerful mythical items, all while taking on various jobs to fund his passion. Until one particular job changed his life.

Hired to bring back a sample of Arthur Curry’s blood, Black Manta encountered the young Aquaman and his father while the two were out at sea. In the ensuing struggle, Aquaman’s father suffered a heart attack that ultimately led to his death. Seeking revenge, Aquaman hunted down Black Manta—and accidentally killed his father in retaliation. Thus began a circle of vengeance that forever bonded hero and villain.

Fueled by hate and utilizing a powerful suit of armor that allows him to breathe underwater, survive the incredible pressures of the ocean depths and fire deadly energy blasts through his mask, Black Manta seeks to destroy Aquaman and everything he holds dear.”

There’s no word on The Wrap report about who will be playing this character. We know that Amber Heard will be playing Mera and Willem Dafoe will star as Vulko, while Will Beal and Geoff Johns are working on the latest version of the script.